Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf)
Beef Plant, Beefsteak Plant, Bloodleaf, Chicken Gizzard
A popular foliage plant, Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf) is a short-lived tender perennial that is usually grown as a summer bedding annual or houseplant in most areas. While the flowers are inconspicuous and present no interest, the oval purple-red leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), are incredibly showy. Usually notched at their tips, they display contrasting hot-pink midribs and veins. Easy to grow and low maintenance, Bloodleaf is terrific as a bedding annual or planted in containers where it never fails to add drama. Bring indoors for winter beyond its hardiness range.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall and wide (30-90 cm) and up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) in its native habitat.
- Performs best in full sun or part shade in rich, moist, well-drained soils. Keep soils consistently moist in the growing season, but reduce moisture from fall to late winter.
- Perfect addition to beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens or containers.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, aphids and spider mites.
- Pinch tips to encourage bushy growth. Pinch out flower buds to concentrate plant energies on the foliage.
- Propagate by cuttings taken in fall, which may be easily rooted in water, to produce new plants for spring and summer display.
- Native to Brazil, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
| Climate Zones | 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 30" (80cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Wet Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Recommended Companion Plants
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 12 |
| Climate Zones | 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 30" (80cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Wet Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
